Alprazolam significantly improves the efficacy of granisetron in the prophylaxis of emesis secondary to moderately emetogenic chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer

Abali H., Oyan B., Guler N.

CHEMOTHERAPY, vol.51, no.5, pp.280-285, 2005 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 51 Issue: 5
  • Publication Date: 2005
  • Doi Number: 10.1159/000087455
  • Journal Name: CHEMOTHERAPY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.280-285
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Background: Alprazolam, a newer benzodiazepine, may be useful in the control of nausea and vomiting in breast cancer patients. Methods: Nineteen operable breast cancer patients were included in this randomized prospective crossover open-label trial. Patients received either granisetron (G) alone, or in combination with alprazolam (A). Group A patients received G+A first and then crossed over to G-alone after the 2nd or 3rd cycle. Group B patients received the reverse order. Eighty-four cycles were evaluated. Results: In group A, complete remission (CR) plus major response (MR) was higher (93.9%) with G+A than with G-alone (83.3%; p = 0.0001) in the first 24-hour period. In group B, CR plus MR was higher in G+A cycles (100%) than in G-alone cycles (85.7%; p = 0.035) in the 24-hour period and in the 25- to 129-hour period (92 vs. 90.5%, respectively; p = 0.022). Conclusion: Alprazolam increases the efficacy of granisetron in patients with breast cancer treated with an anthracycline-containing regimen. Copyright (C) 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel.